Big Ticket Abu Dhabi
The UAE’s Longest-Running Raffle Draw
Brief History
Big Ticket was established in 1992 at Abu Dhabi International Airport, making it the largest and longest-running raffle draw in the UAE. What started with a cash prize of AED 1 million has grown significantly over three decades, with jackpots now reaching up to AED 25 million. The draw has created hundreds of millionaires from around the world, with Indian nationals forming the largest group of participants and winners.
In April 2024, Big Ticket temporarily paused operations to comply with the newly established GCGRA regulatory framework. Operations resumed in June 2024, and Big Ticket continues to run under GCGRA authorisation alongside the UAE Lottery and Dubai Duty Free.
Draws Offered
- Monthly Cash Draw — The flagship draw with a top jackpot of up to AED 25 million, plus multiple consolation cash prizes.
- Weekly Cash Draw — Smaller cash prize draws held on the 1st, 9th, 17th, and 24th of each month (adjusted to avoid clashing with the monthly draw on the 3rd).
- Dream Car Draw — Held every two months, offering luxury vehicles such as Range Rovers, Porsches, and BMWs. Limited tickets available.
Draw Format & Frequency
| Draw | Frequency | Format | Draw Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cash | 3rd of every month | Raffle (6-digit ticket number) | 7:30 PM GST |
| Weekly Cash | 1st, 9th, 17th, 24th monthly | Raffle (6-digit ticket number) | 7:30 PM GST |
| Dream Car | Every 2 months | Raffle (limited tickets) | Announced per draw |
How to Play
Players can purchase tickets online via bigticket.ae or in person at ticket counters at Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi), Al Ain Airport, and Abu Dhabi City Terminal. To buy, a valid photo ID (such as a passport) is required. First-time online users must register and create an account.
Each ticket is assigned a unique six-digit number. Players can choose an even or odd number, or select a specific number. There is a maximum purchase limit of AED 10,000 per person per draw, and a buy-2-get-1-free offer is often available for cash draw tickets.
Quick Facts
| How to Buy | Online (bigticket.ae) or in-store at Abu Dhabi airports |
|---|---|
| Cash Draw Ticket Price | AED 500 per ticket |
| Dream Car Ticket Price | AED 50, AED 100, or AED 200 (varies by prize) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency Requirement | None — open to anyone worldwide |
| Top Prize | Up to AED 25,000,000 (monthly cash draw) |
| Winnings Taxed? | No tax in UAE; winners’ home country taxes may apply |
Licensing & Legality
Big Ticket is one of only three lottery/raffle operations officially authorised to operate in the UAE, as confirmed by the GCGRA. Unlike the UAE Lottery which holds a full national lottery licence, Big Ticket operates as an authorised airport-based raffle draw. It was established at Abu Dhabi International Airport in 1992 and continues to operate under the GCGRA framework as per the Federal Law by Decree that established the authority.
Big Ticket briefly paused operations in April 2024 to ensure compliance with GCGRA regulations and resumed in June 2024.
Operator: Abu Dhabi Duty Free (DFS)
Authorised by: GCGRA (as an authorised airport lottery)
Operating Since: 1992
Website: bigticket.ae
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